ROOFTOP SOLAR: CONSIDERATIONS
As they have become more popular and economically viable, homeowners are curious about rooftop solar arrays. We encourage you to reach out to us to discuss your energy usage, how renewable energy rates are structured, rebate incentives, and how rooftop solar installation may impact your electric bill.
First, review your monthly and annual kilowatt-hour usage. Bay City Electric Light & Power (BCELP) can assist. Consider taking advantage of the no-charge Home Energy Check-up, provided through the BCELP Energy Smart Program, prior to solar installation. The more efficient your home, the fewer solar panels you will need. A focus on efficiency typically has a faster return on investment than solar.
If you are considering solar, we have compiled some questions to guide your journey. Beware of what advertisements are not mentioning, and always be sure to read the fine print.
ROOFING
What is your roof's condition? Will it need to be replaced during the term of your solar contract? Is your roof under warranty? If yes, will installation of a solar array affect its warranty? Does your roof face south? Are there obstructions from other structures or trees?
COSTS
What are the differences re: costs and risk with owning a solar array, compared to leasing or financing? How is financing structured, i.e. duration and interest rate? Will your electrical panel or service need to be upgraded? If yes, has the installer included that in the quote? Have you checked into what state and federal incentives might be available? How many years will it take for you to see a return on your solar investment? What is the cost with and without battery storage? Are there production guarantees with your chosen system?
INSTALLERS
Have you gotten quotes from at least two installers? Have you reviewed Better Business Bureau ratings on those providers? Have you clarified who will be responsible for securing all necessary building and electrical permits and handling any required registration? Will the installer guide on utility metering and interconnection?
HOME OWNERSHIP AND INSURANCE
What happens with the equipment, contract, and warranties if and when you sell your home? Have you contacted your homeowner's insurance company to determine if there will be any impact to your insurance policy?
EQUIPMENT
What are the system specifications the installer has suggested? What is the system size in kW? How was that capacity determined? What solar panel modules will be used, and what is their warranty? What inverter(s) will be used, and what is its warranty? What does the system design layout look like? What is the anticipated monthly production compared to your previous 12 months of usage? Who fulfills warranty claims, and is there any additional cost? Will your service agreement include an annual inspection to ensure optimal performance? If you are installing a battery backup, how long will the batteries provide power? What is the battery warranty? How does the battery integrate with your home electrical panel?
Remember that as your public power provider, BCELP is here to help you.
Click here for the interconnection application.
First, review your monthly and annual kilowatt-hour usage. Bay City Electric Light & Power (BCELP) can assist. Consider taking advantage of the no-charge Home Energy Check-up, provided through the BCELP Energy Smart Program, prior to solar installation. The more efficient your home, the fewer solar panels you will need. A focus on efficiency typically has a faster return on investment than solar.
If you are considering solar, we have compiled some questions to guide your journey. Beware of what advertisements are not mentioning, and always be sure to read the fine print.
ROOFING
What is your roof's condition? Will it need to be replaced during the term of your solar contract? Is your roof under warranty? If yes, will installation of a solar array affect its warranty? Does your roof face south? Are there obstructions from other structures or trees?
COSTS
What are the differences re: costs and risk with owning a solar array, compared to leasing or financing? How is financing structured, i.e. duration and interest rate? Will your electrical panel or service need to be upgraded? If yes, has the installer included that in the quote? Have you checked into what state and federal incentives might be available? How many years will it take for you to see a return on your solar investment? What is the cost with and without battery storage? Are there production guarantees with your chosen system?
INSTALLERS
Have you gotten quotes from at least two installers? Have you reviewed Better Business Bureau ratings on those providers? Have you clarified who will be responsible for securing all necessary building and electrical permits and handling any required registration? Will the installer guide on utility metering and interconnection?
HOME OWNERSHIP AND INSURANCE
What happens with the equipment, contract, and warranties if and when you sell your home? Have you contacted your homeowner's insurance company to determine if there will be any impact to your insurance policy?
EQUIPMENT
What are the system specifications the installer has suggested? What is the system size in kW? How was that capacity determined? What solar panel modules will be used, and what is their warranty? What inverter(s) will be used, and what is its warranty? What does the system design layout look like? What is the anticipated monthly production compared to your previous 12 months of usage? Who fulfills warranty claims, and is there any additional cost? Will your service agreement include an annual inspection to ensure optimal performance? If you are installing a battery backup, how long will the batteries provide power? What is the battery warranty? How does the battery integrate with your home electrical panel?
Remember that as your public power provider, BCELP is here to help you.
Click here for the interconnection application.